Lance Letter 5.23.11

Family whom i love!
How is everyone?!
This week has been sweet. On Friday, one of our investigators (Ivan) drove us up with victor (recent convert) to San Jose to the YSA meeting with elder M. Russel Ballard. the spirit was so strong and we talked about it the whole way home. Ivan plays basketball in the mornings with us. He said he would come to BYU Idaho after the my mission ha.
Then on Saturday our entire mission got together and elder Ballard spoke to us, along with elder Richard Hinckly (Former Prophets son) , Elder Clayton and several other general authorities. On Sunday elder Richard Hinckly spoke to our stake along with the area authority. This week has been a spiritual feast. I write more about it in a letter. We are so blessed. The Lord Keeps finding people for us to teach and hopefully baptize. We met a former investigator who was so close to baptism but moved away. anyways, he moved back and i think we can start teaching him again. His name is Emilio. We also ran into a less actives boyfriend who we taught this week ( George ) and we currently teaching the biggest drug Lord In gilroy...Most likely San Jose. All are ex gang members who are all progressing towards baptism and they all know each other ha. We also found several people who want to join our church. It just goes to show that this is the Lords work and we are nothing but servants, and instruments in his hands. HE IS IN CHARGE.
We have a meeting with pres. Jackson this afternoon as a Zone. This will most likely be the last time we get to talk to him. The Jackson's will be missed. I look Forward to our new president who will be here on Sunday to see everything.
Ryan sure sounds like he's gonna be real busy with sports and fun stuff during this summer. The best summer i can remember was when i went to all those camps to. The summer sounds like it will be warm but fun. Maybe Carlee and dad can teach me how to appraise a little when i get back ? ha. Dad is so funny to offer to pay for Brennen's mission. Thank you so much for that. I'm sure it made him think more about serving the Lord. What more can i say? I love you all and hope everyone has a great week
The Gospels True Blue Through And Through!!
Love Elder Lance Porter

Lindsey: Letter 51

Hello Hello! Wow, I cant thank you enough for the enormous package that was sent the day before my birthday! Perfect timing;) thank you thank you. The GPS has been just thee greatest blessing and I hope Carlee and Tim are aware that they will be receiving many blessings for that sweet act. Paige! I cant believe you sent the one thing that I was needing more than anything. Little white socks! Thank you so much Paige and Bryce. That was on the top of my list of things to buy this week. I love you both and am so thankful for you support. Thank you for the cereal, crackers, dried fruit, muffin mix, lip gloss, moisturizers, lotion toothpaste, curel, fun eyeshadow, dove soap, my favorite mints, razors, floss, sunscreen, undershirts, and most darling outfit. I wore it to church on Sunday and I'm certain that I'm not the only one that appreciated it. I'm sure that people were starting to wonder if I had more than two outfits in my closet. It was all too sweet and fun to sit read the fun sayings on the back of each gift. So clever! Thank you thank you momma!
I have the most amazing companion! Her name is Hermana Coogan. She's from Orange County and was baptized two years ago. She's the only member in her family and is my hero in every way, shape, and form (literally) She is darling! Wow, she is solid and ready to get to work. She was kicked out of her house when she joined the church and has not one bit of support from her family. When they do write her it is in the form of bribes and pleas to come to her senses and return home. They think that she has been brain washed and that she is being led my the devil. Oh my goodness, I just cried when she told me her story and I'm so thankful that she has so much trust in the lord. She does have friends from the church that encourage her and support her and for that I'm so thankful, as is she I'm sure. She's bold and loving, hard working and caring. Yes mom, she's ready and rearin to go! I love it. We get along great and I love her with all of my heart. She writes absolutely everything down so that she'll have it for her posterity, seeing that she's the first to have found the gospel. You'll just love her. I'm excited for you to meet her one day. She has beautiful copper hair, well... warm brown. She's just beautiful and so so fun. I could not stop laughing the first time that we went out together. Its actually an interesting story how we were put together.... Last minute president hansen felt that the spirit was challenging him and he switched the companionships right before announcing them. What a blessing. I have so much to learn from her and this transfer will be full of hard work, miracles, and sweet memories.
We really in the process of finding right now so I hope to be able to report on a few of our progressing investigators next week. I love you all and hope all is going well. The gospel is true. It is true it is true! I love it with everything that I am! I love this work! I'm so thankful for the atonement of Jesus Christ and for the blessings that come as we strive to keep the commandments. You're all so wonderful and I will talk to you soon!

Lindsey: Letter 50

Oh boy. Running late...? Running Crazy is more like it. I'm just on my way right now to cut all of the elders hair. I just finished cutting Hermana Bullocks hair. We will be separating tomorrow and then I'm on my way to pick up my fresh, new, green, amazing missionary. I don't remember if I already told you but I will be training. "Why" you ask? I've asked myself that one too many times this week. I've decided I'm going to start asking myself "why not?" I think I've lived long enough to know that the lord knows exactly what he's doing. Entonces en vez de porque? Voy a empezar diciendo porque no? It will be a sweet experience whatever the challenge will be. I'm excited and looking forward to whatever the lord has in store. Upward and onward! Haha it's been an interesting time watching Hermana Bullock pack up. I don't like it, to keep myself distracted I just started going through the cupboards and throwing everything away that other missionaries have left behind. At the beginning Hermana Bullock wouldn't let me touch a thing but she is now way passed the point of caring about random objects. Poor thing. I feel so bad. She will go kicking and screaming up until they shove her into the plane. She keeps praying for a hurricane to come our way so the airports can shut down and if that doesn't happen, plan B is for the airplane to crash so that she can continue the work on the other side. I'm not even kidding you. She always wants just one more day. I know she'll be fine. It will definitely take some adjusting but she'll be ok. Keep her in your prayers. She is not happy about leaving.
Truly, I'm in the perfect setting here to train a new missionary. Our ward is absolutely solid. We just had dinner over at the bishops house yesterday. Oh my goodness. I love the Baich family. You will have to go up to Salt Lake for conference and meet them. Such amazing people! Obispo Baich made me feel just about 1000 times better about taking over the area. There is no question that there will be miracles this transfer. I might even learn spanish! haha.
Benjamin Reyes was baptized yesterday! Oh my goodness, what a sweet experience that was. His sister gave the talk about Baptism and just cried the whole way through it. I cried! What a tender experience it was to see the look on Hermana Reyes face when Benjamin was Baptized. It took be back to Mykels baptism. I'll never forget the way Lisa and Mykel were looking at eachother right before he went down into the water. Wow. I think my testimony of fasting and pray was solidified that day and it is something that will stay with me all through life.
I'm so glad to hear everything and everyone are doing so well! Please keep me informed on the comings and goings of all. I want each of you to know that your prayers and thoughts are heard and answered. Please dont stop. Continue praying for Lance and I. This is the lords work and we need the strength to do it his way. We need your prayers, Especially with so many changes happening. I love you and look forward to hearing from you soon!
Thank you thank you for the Birthday Present in advance! Oh my goodness I just need things from home, just basic things. Dont go and buy any of this ok. Just dove soap, toothpaste, floss, Lotion, a few extra pairs of socks, maybe a white undershirt from down east (just the ones that I usually get, mine are getting yucky), Hair serum... maybe a fun, cute, summer shirt. Yes, it will get way over 100 degrees here pretty soon and I will be dripping wet! Haha, I would love whatever you send my way. You're the greatest and I will talk to you next week! Pray that all goes well!

Lindsey: Letter 49

Hello sweet momma! How are you?! I felt a little bit unsettled after the phone call home last night. I didn't feel like I heard a thing about anybody. I talked about things that honestly didn't matter and I want to ask for your forgiveness. I want to know how you're feeling. What you're doing. What goals you're working on. You're too funny about not feeling worthy to be our momma. How wrong you are. You are quite worthy. You have brought up each of us to where we are today and I assure you from the bottom of my heart that you're doing exactly what the lord would have you do. Thank goodness for our own personal weaknesses to humble us and help us realize our total dependence on the lord in every aspect of our lives. Yes, especially when it comes to raising children. I truly need to put all of these words that I'm writing into practice. I told you yesterday about the feelings that I had been having of unworthiness, of weaknesses, at times overwhelming, But then I get together with a bunch of missionaries and they all give me a reality check and I'm on my way again. Putting my trust in the lord and knowing that my Savior has suffered all things so that I may come unto him and be healed. Oh the healing that I need! Its a long surgery but one day I will be through it, healed, whole, glorified, and perfected. Won't that be a perfect day! Will it all come at once? Nope, It is why we are here my dear. To learn, to grow, to rely wholly upon the one who is mighty to save. Our Savior Jesus Christ.
I told you last night that the mission is not easy. I don't want you to misunderstand. The missionary work could not be better. I love talking to the beautiful Hispanic people. I love sharing the good news. I love this work with all of my heart and I will continue to love it for as long as I live. We are in the work of saving souls and there is nothing more rewarding and sanctifying as serving the lord with all of your heart, might, mind, and strength. The hard part comes in not understanding the plan, not realizing that the lord has it figured out. That he is here every step of the way, The hard part is giving into discouragement because of personal weaknesses. It is Satan's work to make us all miserable like himself and I'm telling you that it is a fight at times. But my goodness. Who am I to forget that the lord is fighting just as hard, Not only the lord but those that he sends, We have angels round about us to bear us up. I am learning a lot out here. I'm learning that the Lord loves us stronger than any of us realize. I'm afraid I don't know the smallest part of that love but I do know that it is real. I've seen it. I see it in the life of every person that I come across. Each of us are here today striving and trying our best because the Savior came and prepared the way that we may accomplish what we've been sent here to do. Gain a body and Keep the commandments with a happy heart. You are doing great mom. More than great! You just keep striving and trying to do all that you've been asked to do. Fulfill you're calling, be a happy person. Smile at those who pass you by and be ready always to give an answer for the hope that is in you. You are an elect lady and I feel blessed beyond measure to have you in my life.
Sister Bullock and I went Fishing this morning with Elder Clegg and Elder Esplin. The elders were nice enough to let us rill in whatever "they caught" Haha. It was a blast. Elder Clegg caught a turtle and I caught a little baby catfish. Wow What a party it was! I love our district. I don't know that I'll be able to get any letters off today because we'll be playing sand volleyball with the zone and if anyone is seen writing letters they'll get a long lecture about "breaking the unity" Haha They're too funny. Elder Esplin Informed me that I will be training next transfer. I have no idea how he found that out but I am really nervous and I would love your prayers and anything else you feel might help. I will certainly need it. One of the sweet benefits of training is that you get to go to the temple one extra time with your greenie. That will be a huge blessing. I love you all with all of my heart and pray that you're happy and healthy. Have a wonderful week!

Lance Letter 5.3.11

Dear Family
We had a great week. I just sent you a bunch of pictures that I've been collecting for some time now.
Anyways thank you for the camera and the giant Easter package, it was dee...lish.
After a tough fight with the adversary we were able to baptize keeane. It was hard to get her baptized ...nevertheless it just goes to show that when we are about to embark on the path way towards eternal life, the adversary has to say his peace.
We are being extremely blessed and i fill so often not worthy of the blessings i receive. I have found the greatest joy in helping others see the light. And as i do so, i see light as well. In a few weeks an Apostle will be speaking to our mission. I'm so excited!
Our stake here in the Morgan hill zone will be focusing more on the referrals from members. In fact its direct orders from the first presidency.
I think 7pm is a great time to call. So i guess that would be 6pm over here. Just expect the call around that time.
I Love you all and can't wait to hear from you!
Elder Porter

Lindsey: Letter 48

HELLO! My goodness! Thank you thank you for all the sweet letters and fun easter gifts that were sent my way (the skirt) That was too sweet and I thank you for your support and encouragement! Grandma, thank you for your handwritten letter. I know that it is hard to try and find time during the day to sit and do that but I loved every word and I'm so glad to hear that you and Grandpa are doing so well.
Its so good to hear from Paige Ashley! Wow, I can't believe that they're off and ready to embark on a new journey. I hope they find joy in ever step. I know they will as they put their trust in the lord and watch as his plan for them unfolds. They have already experienced so many miracles and blessings as a result of their faith in Jesus Christ. It's powerful Isn't it? Thank you thank you one and all for your incredible testimonies and dedication to the lord.
We just witnessed an incredible event yesterday and we watched Damian Villegas (the former Agnostic) go down into the water and come up again a new creature in Jesus Christ. What an incredible moment. The entire baptismal program was wonderful. Hermana Bullock and I sang I know that my Redeemer Lives. I loved watching Damian following his baptism. He couldn't stop smiling. He was so happy. Like a huge weight had been lifted off of him. He just looked light. He looked peacefully happy. It was such a sweet day. I'm so thankful for the faith that he developed over the last month. The faith that led him to change his life, to follow the savior. To put his trust in the plan that he's not all that sure about but he knows that the lord is sure and that is what drives us each day. Knowing that there is someone who knows better. Who knows perfectly.
Afterwards we went over to a family that we've been teaching for some time. They came to Damians Baptism. When we sat down in their living room we talked a little bit about it. We told them how far Damian had come, where he was when we first met him. They asked. "So, how did you convince him to get baptized?" The question kind of took me off guard, because when I think back on it, we didnt do a whole lot. We just showed up for the lesson and from there the spirit took over. I don't recall having too much to do with his conversion. That's what faith does, faith leads one to trust, to believe, to hope that what the prophets testify of and say is in reality truth. When we have all of those things then the spirit whispers and testifies of truth and our faith becomes unshaken and we are able to do those things that are expedient in the savior. It is expedient in the savior that we are baptized. That we enter in by the "way" "And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save" It's right there! Baptism is not the ultimate goal. When we are baptized we make a convenent with our heavenly father that we will take upon ourselves the name of Christ and that we will always remember him. When we have faith in Jesus Christ we have the opportunity to so whatsoever thing is expedient in him. We continue making covenants with him. We continually repent, we get ourselves worthy through the atonement of Jesus Christ and we go to the temple. We sacrifice whatever is impeding us and we follow him. While we were talking to the Lavastidas they were asking us what they must do after baptism. They said so we get baptized and that's it? No, no no no, No. That is not it. There is much more in store. We find all of this out in the temple! I bore my testimony in Sacrament meeting yesterday and just cried haha. I have the hardest time talking about temples and my family without tears swelling up in my eyes. Gratitude over takes me and my emotions let lose. I'm so thankful for the eternal perspective that we get when we visit the house of the lord. That's really the Ultimate goal. The Ultimate goal is eternal families, continual progression, never ending progression! Creation! Love, Pure Unselfish Love! Wow. what wouldn't we give up for that?
I love you all. I'm so thankful for all that you do each day to better your lives. It is why we're here, we're not perfect but we strive to do better each day. To sanctify ourselves through the savior. We can and we must if we want all that he has and want to be all that he is. I love you and cant wait to talk to you next week!